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Amid the hoopla of the Patriots arriving in Indianapolis on Sunday, wide receiver Wes Welker dropped a positive message during his first news conference of the week.

Welker, who will be a free agent after the season, was optimistic about his contract situation.

"I plan on being back," Welker said. "I'm not really too worried about that right now. I'm fully concentrated on this game and what we have to do, but I plan on being back."

Welker was then asked if he was surprised the two sides haven't reached a contract extension yet.

"This is all stuff that we can address at another point, and it can be a story after the season is over," Welker replied. "But right now, we're just concentrating on this game and what we have to do to win this game. You win this game, and all the other stuff takes care of itself."

On Jan. 20, Patriots owner Robert Kraft offered a similarly optimistic message about Welker's contract situation, which makes it look like the two sides can work toward a resolution.

"I think Wes wants to be here, and we want him here," Kraft said. "Hopefully when the season ends, both sides will be wise enough to consummate something. He's pretty special. Anytime there's a player on this team I can look eye to eye and be at the same level, he's an important guy."

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